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Over many years, I was not a fan of online competitive titles. I engaged in numerous of them with my friends, but none kept my attention. My aim was poor, and seemed more a liability than aid to my squad. Subsequently, 2016’s Overwatch happened and presented me with a hero and an skill that's been stuck in my mind ever since.

Initially, D.Va, a gamer girl turned child-soldier who commands a MEKA, didn’t seem the type that should have appealed to me. The sniper Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her gothic look and measured speech. However D.Va possessed the advantage of being my favorite class: a defender. The one who soaks up all that damage while shielding attackers and support classes. Better yet, D.Va has two forms: her pilot form, in which she runs around with a gun, and her MEKA configuration, in which she’s seated within her MEKA. These two forms make her pretty unique, but there’s something else that makes her stand out among her fellow tanks, and is why I ultimately adored her: her close-quarters and mobility skill, Thrusters.

Thrusters represent a skill that enables the MEKA pilot (in her MEKA form) launch into the air, giving her a boost of speed and allowing her to fly forward for 24 meters. Additionally, players may alter course while airborne, opting to rise onto a elevated position or divert completely and head around obstacles like turns or the objective. This grants D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that no other defender can really replicate — not even Reinhardt with his charge ability. D.Va’s Boosters is ideal for my approach: I prefer to absorb attacks and defend allies, while also being able to get out if the situation intensifies so I may reassemble – it creates a sense of invincibility, even though this isn't entirely true.

D.Va’s Boosters isn't solely for travel; it additionally deals damage to foes in its path.

There’s even a damage element to the Thrusters skill. If enemies get in the way as activating Thrusters, they are knocked back for 25 damage. I assure you, there’s nothing more satisfying than finishing off a pesky Ashe by bopping her on the nose with the mech. That’ll teach her to try and snipe you from afar.

The hero might not rank as the “best” tank in Overwatch 2 nowadays, especially when you’ve got heroes like Orisa and Ramattra whose raw defensive abilities make them a superior choice for present strategies. Yet she remains one of the most unique characters I have experienced in a competitive title. It seems unlikely that any a direct counterpart to D.Va, and believe me, following experiences like Marvel Rivals after falling off Overwatch 2, I have sought a replacement for D.Va, and my next Boosters, for years. In reality, after playing her for years, it seems there isn’t ever going to be as fun and innovative to play as she is. Despite any issues Overwatch 2 might have, hero creation and skills are definitely not included.

• The MEKA Pilot shines at mobility and disruption.
• Her Boosters provide unmatched aerial control.
• She can absorb attacks while opening chances for allies.
• Regardless of strategy changes, she remains a beloved choice for her unique playstyle.